Deadline for South Dakota 100, 125 and 150 Year Farm & Ranch Recognition is Aug. 11

SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURENEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 20, 2017

Media Contact: Jodi Bechard, 605-773-5711

Deadline for South Dakota 100, 125 and 150 Year Farm & Ranch Recognition is Aug. 11

HURON, S.D.- The South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) will again recognize and honor longstanding South Dakota families at the 2017 South Dakota State Fair.

South Dakota families having enjoyed ownership of their farm or ranch for 100, 125 and 150 years have the opportunity to be honored on Thursday, Aug. 31, during the South Dakota State Fair in Huron.

To qualify as a South Dakota Century Farm or Ranch, a family must have retained continuous ownership of at least 80 acres of original farmland for 100 years or more. If the family ownership of land has reached 125 or 150 years, they may apply to be recognized as a Quasquicentennial or Sesquicentennial Farm or Ranch respectively. Documentation of the original date of purchase must be included with the application.

Since recognition began in 1984, there have been 2,888 century farms and ranches and 323 quasquicentennial farms and ranches acknowledged so far.

Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.